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Letitia JamesThe current and fourth New York City Public Advocate
Date of Birth: 18.10.1958
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Letitia James: A New York Trailblazer
- Career
- New York City Public Advocate
- Leadership and Activism
- Legacy
Letitia James: A New York Trailblazer
Early Life and EducationLetitia James was born in Brooklyn, New York, to Nellie and Robert James. She attended New York City public schools and graduated from the City University of New York with a Bachelor's degree in 1981. In 1986, she obtained her Juris Doctor from Howard University School of Law and was admitted to the New York State Bar in 1989. James is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Public Administration from Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs.
Career
James began her legal career as a public defender with the Legal Aid Society. She also founded a coalition of African-American professional organizations to assist youth with their education. She held minor positions in state government before running for City Council in 2001. Unsuccessful in that first attempt, she won election in 2003 on the Working Families Party line, becoming the first individual to win a statewide office in New York on a third-party ticket since 1977. In 2005, James secured the nominations of both the Working Families Party and the Democratic Party.
New York City Public Advocate
In 2013, James ran for Public Advocate, securing endorsements from major city unions and newspapers. She won the Democratic primary with 59% of the vote and went on to defeat her Republican opponent in the general election with 83%. As Public Advocate, James has become a leading voice for New Yorkers, advocating for social and economic justice.
Leadership and Activism
As a member of the Democratic Party, James has served on the New York City Council, representing Brooklyn's 35th District. She was the chair of the Committee on Economic Development and also served on committees related to parks and recreation, small business, government technology, veteran affairs, and women's issues. James has also been an active participant in the movement against mass incarceration. She has advocated for criminal justice reform, including the decriminalization of marijuana.
Legacy
Letitia James has made history as the first African American woman to hold citywide office in New York. Her commitment to public service, her activism, and her unwavering advocacy for New Yorkers have established her as a leading figure in New York politics. She is an inspiration to many, proving that anything is possible with determination and a passion to make a difference.
